Thursday's Threads: Riding outfit only edition

Kind of a lame Thursday's Threads post because I kind of forgot to take outfit pictures this morning. But also, I have no power, which means no running water or heat so I look AMAZING let me tell you... At least outside looks pretty?

 It doesn't sound pretty. The trees cracking all around last night sounded like fireworks! Eeek. 100% of my town is in the dark. Hoping it's back by tonight because it's supposed to drop down into the 20's tonight. Brr.
Fortunately, I grabbed some snaps of my riding outfit on Sunday, so all is not lost!

I had to add a coat before I got on though. That wind was blowing cold!

Also, Jampy and I wore matching boots:

Ok, let's look closer!

Helmet: Charles Owen JR8

I don't really like the harnesses on these JR8 helmets, but the sparkles obviously over rule that issue. It fits well too, so that's the most important thing.

Jacket: Ariat

This guy got stuck in the black hole that is my laundry pile for awhile. But he's clean and back in action! I rather like Ariat apparel.

Hoodie: Lit Cube

Why yes, this IS a Gilmore Girls inspired sweatshirt. Thanks for noticing! I love it. It's oversize and comfy and warm and all the things you want in a sweatshirt.

Belt: Brooks Belts

This belt matches the breeches so well, you almost can't see it! It's your run of the mill elastic belt. I could probably make this if I had and could work a sewing machine. But since I do not and cannot, I had to buy it.

Breeches: Kerrits Winter Cargo breeches

I'm not a big fan of Kerrits breeches, but these were on super duper sale, and I loved the heathered gray. Also, I am a bit too... fluffy for any of my winter breeches, so figured I'd give them a try. They're ok. I liked riding in them, but the cargo pockets on the side make the legs have less give to them. And that's where I could use all the give I can get. I maybe should have gotten a large instead of a medium. They'll do though.

Boots: Pioneer

They are tough to photograph! Navy, I promise.

Ah! The part you've been waiting for! The boots! I have mixed reviews here. I think overall positive, but there is one pretty big negative. Let's start there and get it out of the way. They say patent leather is really grippy. And that's not a lie exactly.... If you rub patent on patent, you get a great grip. If you rub patent on smooth saddle leather? Not so much. However, lots of boots are slippery when they're new, so I'm not sure it's fair to judge yet. And I think a little of this stuff should help me out of it the slippery is a permanent state:

I'm not a big fan of saddle tight type stuff, but I like this one a lot. It doesn't ruin your tack, and wipes right off with a little saddle soap. Unlike actual saddle tite. That stuff is gross. I was planning to try it with the boots on Rio but he was off so didn't get the chance. Will report back whenever I can try again.
And now the good! These boots are SO COMFY! Maybe not quite Regal comfy, but for boots that seem really stiff they weren't. The didn't dig into my legs anywhere (so hopefully that doesn't mean they'll wind up too short...) and I had no blisters or anything to speak of after my ride. I wore them to lunge and ride Jamp, lunge Rio, sweep up the barn, and feed the horses. So they were on for a few hours doing all different things. They are a little stiff, to be expected, but very comfy! And they're pretty awesome to look at too, if I do say so!

That's it for today... short and sweet! Were you in the path of this Nor'Easter? How did you make out? Any favorites from today?

What's Up Wednesday

I think you know what's up. It's snowing. AGAIN. And not like the cute little dusting we got Sunday either.

Nope. This is real snow. Like 8 to 10 inches of it. Gross. Fortunately, it's not sticking just yet. I'm hoping to jet out of work in an hour or two before it gets really bad. Yay for being able to work from home! Though if I stay till three, that "work" might be minimal. Don't tell the boss.
Anyway, enough whining about snow, let's talk about the past week!
I managed to ride almost every day last week after work. It was glorious! Well... as glorious as riding Jamp in the dark can be. He IS afraid of his shadow so there's that. But it was just so nice to be in the saddle.
Riding this time of year is so funny. You can't really work on anything since your horse has no fitness. It's kind of like rehabbing but you can lunge out the crazies if you need to. But if you do that, you can't spend much time in the saddle or you just might cripple your horse. Probably for the best since rider isn't too fit either. So long story short, we haven't really worked on anything other than moving around and starting back to some level of fitness.
All this was for naught though unfortunately. Friday blew in... literally. We were hit with a Nor'Easter on Friday which luckily for us in southern CT came in the form of rain. But very high winds too. Sustained winds between 20 and 30 mph and gusts upwards of 60. I thought for sure the ring would be a swamp. But Saturday morning, it looked like this:

That's not bad! A little wet in places, but nothing crazy. Unfortunately, the wind was still blowing like crazy. It blew the doors open on the hay barn at some point over night, but I was really lucky and the hay was far enough back to stay dry. And while it did blow the door off one hinge, it's still functional and it was all fixed up yesterday. It also did this:

I dunno... that looks expensive to me. I'm waiting until after today's storm to deal with it. No sense fixing that twice.
Since it was still crazy windy, I didn't ride Saturday, but I was fairly productive. I had cleaned out the trailer tack room a couple weekends ago, but I hadn't stripped the shavings that were in it. So I did that first.

Then the mail came with my new rat traps, so I got those all set up and placed.

I caught the little jerk last night! Definitely recommend these traps. We'll see if any more rats show up. And if they do, we'll see if they can catch another one. I'm not sure if rats are like mice, but I swear the mice figure out it's a trap. I keep having to get different ones to catch them. Hopefully not the case with rats, but I hear they're pretty smart. Time will tell. Fingers crossed they just don't show up anymore?

I also got caught up on the horse laundry. Washed all the horse show towels, plus two weeks worth of Rio's wraps, some saddle pads, etc.

And then I dragged the ring! I really need to move the jumps and do a better job, but this is good enough for now. Especially since it's just going to need it again when/if the snow melts.

Look! No mud!

And then finally, I spent some time grooming the boys. They're shedding out really well, and starting to like fancy horses again instead of wooly mammoths.

Shiny boys! And then it was night time. I didn't have any crazy plans like last weekend. Instead, I got to work weeding out the dressers. The great clothing purge of 2018 is nearly complete! Just in time to start the spring/summer version... It will be nice when it's all done though.
Sunday, though pretty chilly and still kind of windy was a better day to ride. And I figured possibly my last for a bit since the evenings were looking chilly for this week. I lunged Jampy before I rode him and he was a bit of a cuckoo bird. Thankfully due to lack of fitness it didn't last long, and I was able to hop on for a quick ride. Since there was no mud, I figured I'd give my blue Pioneer boots their first ride.

He would look so fancy if only he's close his mouth...

I'll talk more about them tomorrow on Thursday's Threads but the quick and dirty is that they are very comfortable, will break in super fast, but patent leather is awfully slippery.
I threw Rio on the lunge line tacked up in hopes of getting on him too. Unfortunately, he was VERY unsound. So instead I sent the farrier a text. Hopefully he'll be here at the end of the week to take a look. If he can't fix it, I'll call the vet. He's comfortable hanging out and walking around, so I don't think it's an emergency situation. Hoping for an abscess or bruise or something simple. But it's Rio... so, we'll have to see.
And that was the last of my riding. I was hopeful Monday, but the ring was already crunching up when I got home from work. So we just groomed instead. Same with Tuesday. And now it's snowing. Should stay in the forties for the foreseeable future though, which makes me hopeful I'll be back in the saddle soon.
In other news, my Boy-O-Boy items arrived on Friday! They're GORGEOUS and I have to say, the quality is amazing.

I should have ordered a little bit bigger belt, but with breeches it's fine, so not a big deal. I LOVE the metallic gold, it's subtle enough to be pretty and not gaudy. And the browbands looks fab on the custom bridles I got from FSS.

I haven't oiled the bridles yet, but that's hopefully going to happen no later than this weekend (maybe tonight if I'm motivated). I can't wait to ride in them! I think the boys are going to look extra handsome.

Well. That's what's up this Wednesday. What's up with you? Is mother nature messing with you too? Get any fun new pony stuff you want to talk about?

Truthful Tuesday: The one where I disclose the angst

I've started casually looking at sales ads again. I'm not ready for another horse. I can barely afford the three I have (looking at you Badger...) so obviously getting a fourth is out of the question. But Badger is for sale, so once he finds his right person, I can think about getting myself a horse to show. I really wish Badger and I were going to be the right match, but I am finally accepting that I need something less fancy, with a little more knowledge to get me back to where I used to be. And I don't have the bank account to wait for him to be that horse. It's a pretty huge bummer because he's so freaking nice you guys.

But I'm a big chicken and the baby days get me nervous. Time to admit I've become THAT adult amateur that needs a nice made horse. Or at least one with a little less exuberance. It's tough to accept. I've always been a hard worker in the saddle. I've had many a green horse in my day. But I think those days have passed.
So I've been looking at sales ads, just a little. And I realized that I'm really afraid to go horse shopping. Like I legit am having anxiety about it. The last THREE horses I've had were the wrong horses. Granted two of them I bought sight and unseen, so that's kind of to be expected. But still. THREE. That's a lot of money spent for no reward.
First we had Ducky. My adorable little stationary hony. Against all my better judgement I took that little brat in because he was just up the road from me and in a bad situation. And I mean... he was so cute!

Unfortunately, he thought having a job was stupid. Thankfully, he found a great home with my step-aunt in Wisconsin. And he's since gotten his own young adult to do fun things with.
Once the Duck had moved out, I was completely set on getting a thoroughbred to show in the TB classes that were becoming so popular. I found the prettiest little guy that I was determined to make into a fancy hunter. He was a decent mover and oh so pretty. You all remember Romey:

Unfortunately, he was also unsound and turned out (despite my VERY complete vetting which cost more than he did) had an old broken leg.
And then there is Badger, who is everything I thought he would be, but I am not what he'd hoped I would be.
I got Romey and Badger within a few months of each other. Romey moved in the day after Thanksgiving 2015 and Badger joined the family the following I think January (maybe February, but right in there). I was SO excited. I thought I was going to have two baby horses out there showing in the baby green classes. And now at the start of what should be the third season together? That never happened. Well. Badger has shown, but not with me. And so I'm feeling really angsty about shopping for a new horse.
I'm afraid I'll get another one that's unsound. Or one that I get along with great for the trial, but then not at all after that. And I don't even know what I want... Do I want a hunter or a jumper? I dunno?! Honestly, I just want something sound, that jumps great, that LIKES me. I don't really care which ring we show in.
Despite my angst, I'm starting to compile a list of what I'm hoping to find in my next horse. Lists tend to help me feel more organized and lessen my nerves. Anytime I feel overwhelmed, I sit down and make a nice orderly list. So why not for horse shopping, right?

Here's what I have so far:
-Gelding
-Honest
-Good jumper/scopey (enough for 3'6" or higher depending on hunter or jumper)
-OK mover (I don't need to win a hack, but I don't want something offensive to watch)
-Friendly (I love grooming and hanging out with my horses, and I want the horse to enjoy that too)
-Not spooky
-Not a bucker/rearer
-relatively nice to look it. I spend a lot of time taking photos of my horses eating grass. I like them to be nice to look at. Yes, it's vain. But also, if it's a hunter, it shouldn't be ugly. Sorry.

I don't care much about color or size. I don't want something tiny, it needs to have enough step for the lines, and I don't want to be looking up at a 3'6" fence. Similarly, I don't need something 18 hands either, as I'm only 5'2" (and a quarter!). But I'll take whatever size if it's the right match.
I don't care that much about breed either as long as it fits the other bills. I tend to steer away from certain breeds that I've not enjoyed in the past, but if it's an exception and checks all the boxes, then I'm game.

Even with my list, I'm still really anxious about starting the hunt when the time is right. Like I'm actually happy it's not time yet, because I'm not ready to face the task. On the other hand, I REALLY miss showing. I love competing (on the right horse). I love having those two minutes in the ring, just me and my horse trying our absolute hardest. I LOVE that. And it's something that has been missing from my life the last 2+ years.  I guess in an ideal world, I'd just find some magic pill to restore 9 year old Rio. Then all would be right again.

Thursday's Threads

I'm really hoping that from here on out we have riding and work outfits! I cheated a little and took riding outfit photos over the weekend just in case I didn't get to ride during the week, so this outfit is from Saturday.

The boys matched me too! They wore Lettia baby pads in pink tye-dye and some pink brushing boots from HKM.

Rio

Jampy

Helmet: Charles Owen AYR8

I have to admit laziness here. I have a black one with pink piping and didn't feel like getting it from the house. I really need to work on getting a cabinet in the barn to store all my stuff so it's always accessible.

Sweatshirt: something mountain...

I'm having an old lady moment and can't remember the brand on this. You've seen this before, possibly in other colors. I have four of them. They're fleece but it's a knit, not like your typical polar fleece. They're not static-y and they look a little nicer than your run of the mill sweatshirt.

Belt: Mane Jane

This is the belt strap I won in the Mane Jane Instagram contest. I LOVE it! It's dark gray on the other side, and between the two matches so many things! I really love this patent, pink croc side.

Breeches: SmartPak Gel Pipers

I like the gel pipers. I like the regular pipers too. I don't LOVE them. They pill up pretty quickly, and the fit is kind of so-so. But for the price, I think they're super fun and definitely good enough for everyday abuse. I love the color options, which for me is a big selling point.

Boots: TuffRider Regal

I was still battling the mud at this point. So while I do have a comfy set of paddock boots and half chaps that are black patent with pink piping, I didn't want to get them all disgusting. So the old standby it was!

That's what I rode in on Saturday! So now for today's work outfit!

I've been wanting to wear these booties for awhile, so decided today was the day. I'm a little lacking in the purple top department this season, but this casual sweater did the job. It's almost  EXACTLY the same shade as the boots which is something!

Sweater: French Connection

I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I really love French Connection sweaters. They're knit really tightly, and slightly felted. They just seem like really high quality pieces. And they're SUPER soft! It almost looks like a sweatshirt here, but it's actually a sweater.

Belt: Steve Madden

I grabbed this one off the clearance rack at Marshalls awhile back. I think the purple stars are fun, and the horse shoe type buckle obviously made me love it.

Jeans: Big Star

I didn't realize this until I was at work, but the I washed these with my wine colored jeans and the leg not shown in this photo has some red in it now... Ooops. I'll have to wash them together again and see if I can even it out! Doh.

Shoes: RW

I have no idea what RW stands for, but these didn't come with a box and that's all it says on the inside... I got them from Zulily and think they're super fab. What's not to like about purple booties?

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Left is wearing a snakeskin horse bracelet that I made. I LOVE this leather, but it's really expensive so I don't have a whole stack with it.

Righty:

Righty has on a MEGA stack! The first four are all made from basically the same leather (obviously the third one is skinner, but it's the same brand). The last one is a Kate Spade bangle. I was so excited to find that she had one that matched my homemade stack!

And that's it for today. I was kind of throwing it back to my youth when all I would wear was pink and purple. Some things don't change! Any favorites from today? What are you wearing?